IEEE Volunteers are dedicated to a variety of engineering or humanitarian initiatives. Many participate in outreach programs specifically aimed at supporting STEM initiatives for pre-university students. Tatiana Surovtsova is a STEM Champion dedicated to STEM outreach in Russia (Region 8).
Tatiana Surovtsova is a university teacher, and has always been interested in carrying out various projects with her students. But she discovered her passion for pre-university STEM through her own children. “My own children gave me the impetus to work with school children when they grew up, and it became interesting to learn and try something new with them.”
When asked which STEM outreach program she is most proud of, Surovtsova replied, “Every year since 2015, we have been holding Roboskills robotics competitions in the Republic of Karelia. They include various disciplines, both sports and creative, including programming. Since 2022, the competition has become international. Participants from other countries can participate online in several disciplines.”
Surovtsova loves to meet participants in their robotics competitions, especially when she learns they have or plan to enter technical specialties at universities. She also shared with us the key to success in STEM outreach.
“The most important thing is to find a team, albeit small, but with which any task can be accomplished. I found support among additional education teachers and teachers in Karelia, as well as support from the community of robotics teachers in the Russian Federation.”
Surovtsova also shared that the most rewarding part of STEM outreach for her, is how it became a part of her life! From engaging in events and competitions, to forming new connections, her life has changed and become more interesting since joining the pre-university STEM community.
Surovtsova was selected as a IEEE STEM Champion in 2021 as part of the IEEE STEM Champion Program.